Struggling to get into work mode after spending weeks watching films and eating mince pies? Here are 5 tips to help you go back to school.
Read through last term’s notes
The Christmas holiday festivities mean that, unless you have mocks in January, schoolwork tends to get shelved in favour of more fun activities. This is completely understandable, but it means progress achieved pre-Christmas tends to stagnate over the two week-break. Start the new term as you mean to go on by going back to school having read through last term’s notes. Highlight or jot down anything that will be useful for exams or essays. Not only will it refresh your mind, but it’ll be an easy and painless way to get back into work and start preparing for the new term.
Start making revision notes
With actual exams around six months away, this may seem either overly organised or completely insane. Although you probably have not learned enough yet to make complete and comprehensive notes, compiling some ideas and information over the coming term will reduce stress nearer exams. After the end of every week, get into the habit of writing down a couple of things you learned for every subject. For History, for example, it could be some key dates, for Languages, some interesting vocabulary. This advanced preparation is a no brainer, as spreading out a task over months is a lot easier than cramming it into a couple of weeks.
Start reading around your subjects
Last term was about building solid foundations for each subject; now, you can start expanding your knowledge by giving it more breadth and depth. The way to do that? Read around your subjects. The key to higher grades is to go beyond the material your teacher gives you in the classroom because this will demonstrate an actual interest in the subject. Once this term ends and revision starts, there will be less time to dedicate to extra reading, so start this term with a new textbook in your hand or a new website to explore.
- Visit academic websites such as BBC Bitesize that will give you extra information in easy-to-read formats such as activities and quizzes.
- Keep an eye out in the news for stories and events related to your subjects that will ensure your ideas are relevant and up-to-date.
- Read study guides such as CGP or York Notes, which will not only help you revise but will give you extra information around each topic.
Buy some nice stationary
It’s all very well starting schoolwork again, but what about something to write it on? Every new term is an excuse for some new stationary. If your schoolwork is scribbled in a leaking pen on loose sheets of dog eared paper, not only are you going to lose your notes but you’re probably going to put less effort into your work. Stationary is a perfect guilt-free gift that you deserve at the start of term, so make sure you schedule in a much-needed visit to WHSmith.
- Write in a notebook with a nice cover, you’ll try harder to neaten your handwriting.
- Use a folder that has a good filing system, such as index tabs, you’ll return to organised and easy-to-read notes during the revision period.
- Write mind maps in coloured gel pens to hold your attention better when re-reading them.
- Use highlighters to make it easier to remember your notes.
Plan something to look forward to at the end of the term
Life at the moment may seem like a long, hard stretch of schoolwork, essays, tests, and exams. But don’t worry – in the same way all good things must come to an end, so must bad things, and the Easter holidays will soon be on its way. So, the best way to start this new term is to plan how it will end, which will give you something to look forward to and, like a carrot on a stick, the motivation to work harder. A rock concert, a fancy meal, a theatre trip, a paintballing battle, an art class, a writing workshop, or even a holiday…the possibilities are endless and, if you think that your Easter holiday will be too busy with dreaded revision, then start planning for summer instead.
By Florianne H.